Reclaiming Our Students

“The work that Hannah Beach and Tamara Neufeld Strijack have done to better understand the emotional needs of children is valuable for educators, parents, friends—indeed all of us with children in our lives. Their comprehensive research and insight will not only further children’s education but will truly reshape how we see emotion in the classroom—as a strength, not a weakness.”
—The Right Honourable Paul Martin

“This book will be your companion. It will give you insight to the roots of ‘misbehaviour’ and anchor you in the power of relationship and play as nature’s life preserver.”
—Deborah MacNamara, author of Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (or anyone who acts like one)

“With insight and warmth, this book addresses the roots of the growing crisis in children’s emotional functioning, maturation, and capacity to learn: their inability to be in touch with their true feelings. The solutions offered, based on a deep understanding of human development, are intuitive and have the elegance of simplicity. An essential read for educators and for all concerned with the mentoring of our young.”
—Gabor Maté, MD, CM, co-author, Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers

“This remarkable book will provide invaluable support to teachers as they confront the challenges of educating students in this troubled world. The authors provide practical solutions to virtually every situation, and they do so fully respecting the professionalism and leadership of teachers and the essential humanity of the children in their charge. A must-read book not only for teachers but also for parents, principals, and politicians. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.”
—The Honorable Landon Pearson, OC

“Educators will find much inspiration and support in this book, one that offers insightful ways to connect with students. This compassionate work is all about respectful relationships, with students and ourselves, to shift negatives into positives. The authors’ developmental and relational knowledge is a boon for relieving anxiety, aggression, and other stressors in our digital era. A comprehensive resource for educators and the students they love.”
—Raffi Cavoukian, C.M., O.B.C., singer, author, Raffi Foundation For Child Honouring

“Finally, a good news story for 2020! Amidst the backdrop of a global pandemic, authors Hannah Beach and Tamara Strijack have released one of the most important books of our time. The emotional health and well-being of our children was already in decline and this has been even more pronounced during this global crisis. Beach and Strijack have presented every parent and educator with a strategic playbook to help us get back to basics to truly know what our children and students need from us. As we try to rethink and rebuild our communities and schools, Reclaiming our Students will be our guiding light. Restoring the emotional health and well-being of our children will be one of the greatest challenges of the decade. This book is a must read for all parents and educators!”
—David McFall, school principal